Older people experiencing care services are being supported and encouraged to enjoy the experience of eating in a way that promotes their rights and respects their choices.

That means more food choice, promoting independence and creating the right environment for people to eat, drink and live well in their care setting, in a way that suits them.

That’s the message from the Care Inspectorate, who have launched a new online resource full of practical advice and good practice examples aimed at encouraging care homes across the country to think about ways they can support people to live, eat, and drink, with enjoyment and as much independence and choice as possible.

The new resource, Spotlight on Food and Fluid for adults and older people, was launched at Parklands Care Home in Alloa.

Gordon Weir, interim chief executive of the Care Inspectorate said: “We all enjoy being able to decide what, when and how we eat and drink – it’s easy to take it for granted.

“But for people who rely on a care service and rely on others to provide their meals, being able to have choice and make decisions that truly reflect personal preferences can be challenging.

“It is vital that people living in care homes eat and drink well, and it’s really important that they have the choice, control and independent decision making that enables them to enjoy what they eat and drink.

“We know from our inspections that many care homes across the country are working really hard to support people to eat, drink and live well, and we want to share those good practice stories and ideas so that even more people can benefit.”

Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore Ltd, said: “Older people have specific dietary needs and it’s crucial to their health and wellbeing that these are correctly and safely met. Food and nutrition are hugely important to us at Meallmore and we believe that nutritionally balanced food in care homes doesn’t need to be boring – it can be good quality, full of flavour and made using fresh, seasonal ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

“When people eat well, their health, mood and quality of life are improved. This is something we are fully dedicated to, which is why we are thrilled to have been a part of the development of the Spotlight on Food and Fluid guidance and to have hosted the official launch at our Parklands care home.”

This new resource offers a wealth of good practice guidance and real-life examples including videos, guidance documents, handy hints and tips, recipes, menus and useful links. It has been primarily developed for use in caring for an older person but the principles can be applied to a wide range of adults.

The information on the site is based on Scotland’s new Health and Social Care Standards and will help carers create better outcomes for people experiencing care.

It is widely recognised that effective good practice in food and fluids is much more than just eating and drinking. Most people’s food choices are influenced by a variety of personal factors such as enjoyment, ethnic heritage and tradition, values, taste preferences, image, availability, convenience and economy. As people grow older their dietary requirements change.

However, maintaining a good diet and keeping active can help prevent potential health problems and play a key part in living and ageing well.

The resource is available here.